Repulsion Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Repulsion" on Blu-ray, as approved by Roman Polanski, showcases an exquisite high-definition transfer that embodies the pristine quality and artistic integrity of the original film. Graced with a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encoding, the picture is delivered in its intended 1.66:1 aspect ratio, reflecting a meticulous restoration effort. This transfer boasts an exceptional clarity and contrast balance, crucial for a black and white movie, where the interplay of light and shadow is paramount. Deep, rich blacks and luminous whites coexist without bleeding or blooming; a testament to the Criterion team's proficiency in film restoration, employing sources such as the original 35mm negatives and fine-grain masters, enhanced through 2K digital scanning at Soho Images, London. The dedication of telecine supervisor Grover Crisp and colorist Scott Ostrowsky, both from Sony Pictures, further underlines the technical rigor behind this release.

Notably, this Blu-ray edition surpasses previous versions, including the once-celebrated Anchor Bay UK SDVD, with its unparalleled contrast, sharpness, and detail fidelity. The natural grain structure is preserved, contributing to the film's authentic texture without succumbing to common restoration pitfalls such as excessive Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) or artificial sharpening. This careful balance maintains a filmic look, enhancing the atmospheric depth and psychological tension inherent in Polanski's direction. Viewers will appreciate the careful attention to shadow details and textures, evident in scenes set in Carole's apartment or in the streets of London, which are rendered with striking clarity and depth.

While minor issues such as occasional brightness fluctuations and slight spec presence remind us of the film's age, these instances do not detract from an otherwise impeccable transfer. The commitment to preserving grain while steering clear of overzealous noise reduction or edge enhancement ensures a viewing experience that is both visually stunning and faithful to the film’s original aesthetic charm. Criterion’s release of "Repulsion" serves as a benchmark for black and white film restoration, pairing technical excellence with judicious aesthetic judgement.

The Criterion release of "Repulsion" features an English LPCM mono audio track, meticulously remastered from a 35mm optical soundtrack print at 24-bit to ensure clarity and fidelity. This decision to retain the film's original audio format, despite the availability of technology to remix it into 5.1 surround sound, underscores a commitment to preserving the film's original atmospheric intent. The track is accompanied by optional English HOH subtitles, catering to a wider audience and ensuring that the dialogue remains accessible to all. The sound design, pivotal for a film with minimal dialogue, leverages ambient noises, heartbeats, ticking clocks, and footsteps to draw viewers into its world. Each sound effect is articulated distinctly, from the soft tread on hallway rugs to the distant toll of bells, ensuring that the absence of surround sound does not detract from the film's immersive experience.

Critically, the LPCM track's transparency allows for crisp, clear dialogue and a clean presentation free of pops, cracks, or hissing. This precision highlights the film's innovative use of sound to compensate for its sparse use of speech, emphasizing silence and the subtlety of ambient sounds to build tension. Despite its age, the soundtrack's limitation in tonal range and dynamic breadth does not undermine its effectiveness; rather, it demands appreciation of the film within a quiet setting to fully immerse in its designed atmosphere. The technical quality of this remastering effort is noteworthy, offering an experience that is as close as possible to the filmmaker's original intention.

On a technical note, while the uncompressed LPCM mono might seem overkill to some, it undeniably contributes to preserving the original quality of the movie's sound design. Although some elements like the Foley track may appear exaggerated and the ADR not always seamlessly integrated, these quirks are part of the film's historical charm. Criterion's choice ensures that 'Repulsion' is presented with an audio track that respects its era without unnecessary modernization, allowing its sound to play a crucial role in conveying its psychological horror through well-defined effects and ambient sounds. This approach underscores Criterion's philosophy of film preservation and showcases their meticulous attention to delivering a pure, undiluted auditory experience.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray edition of "Repulsion" comes remarkably equipped with a thoughtful selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. Notably, it carries over the insightful commentary by Roman Polanski and Catherine Deneuve from its 1994 Laserdisc release, allowing audiences an intimate glimpse into both the directorial vision and the nuanced performance that characterized this seminal work. The inclusion of two detailed documentaries, "A British Horror Film" and "Grand Écran," both originally offered in standard definition and now upconverted to 1080i, provide comprehensive behind-the-scenes perspectives, featuring valuable contributions from key production members. The original trailers preserved in high definition and a meticulously crafted booklet containing Bill Horrigan’s critical essay, “Eye of the Storm,” further elevate this package. Despite the absence of exclusive Blu-ray features or the once-included early Polanski shorts, the Criterion Collection's commitment to quality over quantity shines through, making this edition a must-have for aficionados of classic psychological thrillers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Roman Polanski and Catherine Deneuve share their recollections and insights on the film's production.
• A British Horror Film: A documentary featuring interviews with Polanski and key crew members on the making of "Repulsion".
• Grand Écran: French TV documentary with on-set footage and interviews, shedding light on Polanski's directorial process.
• Trailers: High-definition trailers that encapsulate the film's unsettling atmosphere.
• Booklet Essay: An analytical essay by Bill Horrigan offering deep dives into the film’s thematic elements and historical context.

Criterion delivers once again with their release of Roman Polanski’s masterpiece "Repulsion" on Blu-ray, presenting a pristine Region A incarnation that's a must-have for aficionados of psychological cinema. The meticulously restored high-definition transfer, personally approved by Polanski, captures the haunting atmosphere of the film in striking clarity, accompanied by an uncompressed monaural soundtrack that preserves the original audio fidelity. Although some may find the extras package to be somewhat lacking, the sheer quality of the film, complemented by an array of supplemental features—including a commentary by Polanski and Catherine Deneuve, along with various documentaries—ensures that this edition is far from ordinary.

"Repulsion" is not merely a film; it's an immersive exploration into the psyche of Carol (played by the stunning Catherine Deneuve), a young Belgian manicurist living in London. The narrative deftly melds elements of suspense, horror, and psychological drama, charting Carol's descent into madness with an artful combination of haunting visuals and subtle storytelling. The absence of straightforward explanations for Carol's spiraling mental state, underscored by the film’s claustrophobic settings and Polanski's manipulative direction, invites viewers to engage deeply with the material, forming their own interpretations. This ambiguity is one of the film’s strengths, cementing its status as a potent study of isolation and psychosis that remains evocative decades after its initial release.

Polanski's skillful application of minimalist horror and thriller elements sets "Repulsion" apart from traditional genre fare. There are no tangible monsters here—instead, the film uses the mundane (a ticking clock, a dripping faucet) to evoke an insidious terror rooted in the protagonist’s psychological unraveling. With minimal dialogue, Polanski relies on Deneuve's compelling performance and carefully constructed visuals to convey a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally unsettling. The Criterion Collection's release captures the essence of "Repulsion" in a manner that highlights Polanski’s early cinematic genius, serving both as an invaluable resource for film scholars and a mesmerizing experience for viewers seeking cinema that dares to explore the darker recesses of the human mind.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Roman Polanski's seminal psychological thriller, "Repulsion," is a testament to the distributor's commitment to quality and reverence for cinema classics. This release stands as a paramount example of restoration and remastering efforts, delivering a viewing experience that rivals watching a pristine 35mm print in the coziness of one's own home. Not only does the video transfer receive universal acclaim for its clarity and fidelity to the original filmic texture, but the audio quality also complements the visual restoration beautifully, creating an immersive auditory experience. The inclusion of extras such as an insightful audio commentary by Polanski and Catherine Deneuve, a captivating documentary on the making of the film, a unique French TV documentary from 1964, original theatrical trailers, and a thoughtfully compiled 12-page booklet enhances the overall appreciation and understanding of this cinematic masterpiece.

The dedication Criterion has shown in handling "Repulsion" offers a gold standard for home releases. By discarding all previous commercial releases in favor of this edition, enthusiasts and newcomers alike are provided a definitive version of the film. This commitment is underscored by the preservation of all DVD extras in the Blu-ray upgrade, showcasing Criterion’s thorough approach to not only the film's visual and auditory restoration but also its historical context and significance through engaging supplementary materials.

In conclusion, Criterion’s release of "Repulsion" on Blu-ray is an indispensable addition to any film lover’s collection. It is a product of meticulous curation and technical excellence, reflecting both a love affair with the medium and an understanding of what makes a home viewing experience truly remarkable. From its stunning transfer and rich audio landscape to its compelling array of extras, this edition not only honors Roman Polanski's legacy but also sets a benchmark for the presentation of classic films. Highly recommended for its unparalleled quality and completeness, it's an essential acquisition rather than a mere rental.